A89732:1122
A discussion of that great point in divinity, the sufferings of Christ; and the…
A discussion of that great point in divinity, the sufferings of Christ; and the question about his righteousness active, passive : and the imputation thereof. Being an answer to a dialogue entitled The meritorious price of redemption, justification, &c. / By John Norton teacher of the church at Ipswich in New-England. Who was appointed to draw up this answer by the general court.A discussion of that great point in divinity, the sufferings of Christ; and the question about his righteousnesse active, passive : and the imputation thereof. Being an answer to a dialogue intituled The meritorious price of redemption, justification, &c. / By John Norton teacher of the church at Ipswich in New-England. Who was appointed to draw up this answer by the generall court.
London: printed by A.M. for Geo. Calvert, 1653
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Answ. To say the Father is a sinners righteousness formally, sounds too near Osianders error who held that we were justified by the essential righteousness of God. But the following words show you mistake or at least inconveniently use the term formally, and intend no other then your former error. The efficient cause of a sinners righteousness is the Father; [Father] taken not personally but essentially, for God the Father, Son, and holy Ghost.
Answ. To say the Father is a sinners righteousnesse formally, sounds too near Osianders errour who held that we were justified by the essentiall righteousnesse of God. But the following words shew you mistake or at least inconveniently use the term formally, and intend no other then your former error. The efficient cause of a sinners righteousnesse is the Father; [Father] taken not personally but essentially, for God the Father, Son, and holy Ghost.
Dialogu. The holy Ghost also doth make sinners righteous, instrumentally by fitting, preparing and qualifying sinners for the Fathers Atonement, by quickening their souls with the lively grace of faith, by which grace sinners are enabled to apprehend and receive the Fathers Atonement.
Answ. Faith is the instrument or instrumental cause of justification. 'Tis also true that the grace of faith (as the application of all other benefits of redemption unto the Elect) is the effect of the holy Ghost: and (because a finishing work) it is ascribed to the third Person: yet according to that received Rule: All the works of God upon the creature are wrought in common by all the three persons; notwithstanding the work be principally ascribed unto that person, whose manner of existence doth most eminently appear in it. 'Tis a great error both in Divinity and Logic to say the holy Ghost who is God and only God is an instrumental cause, which always notes inferiority.